How-To Geek

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We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
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5 underrated KDE Plasma features only advanced users know about

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 15:01

If you've been using KDE Plasma for a while, you've probably settled into a workflow and think you know most of its features and what it has to offer. However, there's a good chance you've been walking past some of its most useful features without realizing they exist. I've been using Plasma for nearly a decade now, and I'm constantly discovering new things you can do on this desktop environment. Here are five underrated yet advanced features that’ll make you a KDE Plasma power user.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4GB of RAM is worthless in a PC, but perfect for these homelab projects

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 14:45

For a long time, 4GB DDR4 RAM sticks were seen as the awkward leftovers from upgrading your machines. While 4GB is too small for a modern PC intended to run games or even multiple Chrome tabs, it's still relevant hardware because it’s relatively modern compared to older RAM standards.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop manually adjusting your Excel print areas: There is a much better way

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 14:31

Nothing ruins a professional Excel report like a "Summary" line floating on its own page when you send it to a printer or PDF. While you could manually adjust your print area for every update, the real pro move is automation. Here's how to use the OFFSET function to create a print area that truly thinks for itself.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android's sideloading changes, the big Visual Studio Code update, better Linux phones, and more: News roundup

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 14:15

This was another busy week in tech, with Google revealing changes to sideloading apps on Android devices, big upgrades for Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA, a new project for Linux-powered phones, and much more Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ignored Python in Excel for years, but now I can't work without it

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 14:15

The professional world has pretty much lived by the unspoken rule that Microsoft Excel is the essential foundation for anything numerical. It's universally accessible and really powerful for simple tasks. However, it gets pretty unwieldy and slow when you're trying to clean complex data, process large amounts of information, or do any kind of advanced statistical modeling.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is the most underrated Linux desktop environment of all time

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 13:30

If you spend enough time around Linux users, you will eventually notice something interesting about desktop environment discussions. They almost always revolve around the same two names. GNOME gets mentioned because many major distros ship it by default. KDE Plasma gets attention because of its enormous customization capabilities and constant visual polish. Occasionally, someone brings up a tiling window manager like i3 or Sway and explains how using the mouse is apparently inefficient now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This self-hosted tool frees your Bambu Lab 3D printer from the cloud

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 13:00

Bambu Lab makes the most popular 3D printers in the world, earning a reputation for ease of use, reliability, and great value. But not everyone is in love with the company’s walled garden approach, which involves locking out third-party slicers and a heavy dependence on the cloud.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Struggling with PC errors? Use this free "all-in-one" toolkit to fix Windows in minutes

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 12:30

PC troubleshooting is usually quite the odyssey. Between needing multiple programs to cover all the bases, not having the slightest idea what's wrong in most cases, and the ever-looming chance that the machine will reboot, freeze, or bug out in the middle of the troubleshooting process, it can all be pretty frustrating.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I 3D-printed my own Wi-Fi signal booster (but not for the reason you think)

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 00:00

Sometimes you have to commit to doing something, regardless of whether you think it will work or not. If you don’t fail, you’ll never learn. If you don’t try, you’ll never start. This was the logic behind my very first design-to-print 3D printing project.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft has a new plan for Windows 11, and it actually sounds great

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 22:26

There are many aspects of Windows 11 that are genuine improvements over previous versions, but there are also many more annoyances, especially if you are sick of seeing Copilot AI everywhere. Microsoft has now announced a bold new plan: actually listening to PC owners about what they want in Windows 11.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Prime Video fantasy shows to watch this weekend (March 20 - March 22)

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 22:00

Fantasy-adventure shows are always fun to watch, especially when you’re in the mood for an exciting weekend binge that provides a real-world escape—heroic journeys, unique landscapes, fellowship, and epic battle action on top of mythical creatures, magical abilities, and ancient prophecies. I’m all in. Just show me where to sit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Oscar-winning Netflix movies to watch this weekend (March 20-22)

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 21:30

While the 2026 Oscars ended with some surprises and snubs, the spirit of the show can still be celebrated. From classic watches and new movies, the iconic Oscar collection of winners in major and other categories is a gift that keeps giving.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your car's infotainment system is hiding 5 features you didn't know existed

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 21:00

Your car is not just a machine with an engine and four wheels anymore; it is an advanced, networked device. Many use the most basic functions, but car screens have gotten more advanced as years have gone by.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11’s Start menu keeps getting worse. Open Shell fixes it

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 20:45

I've never been a fan of how Windows 11 handles the Start menu or search. I've covered those frustrations before, but it still comes down to the same issue. I want Windows to adapt to how I work, not force me into a layout and workflow that feel less efficient.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Raspberry Pi projects I'd totally do if I had the time

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 20:39

If you have a ton of time on your hands, then I really hope you make these Raspberry Pi projects for me. I want to make them myself, but I just don't have the time, however cool or useful they are.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't upgrade your GPU until you've tried this $7 app

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 20:30

Guess what? GPUs are really, really expensive right now. I know, shocking, right? I kid, but it's true that graphics card prices have been on a rapid rise ever since the ongoing RAM shortage started. And no, it doesn't look like the prices will improve anytime soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

It's been 10 years since the death of smartphone headphone jacks—here's what we gained from it

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 20:00

It's been roughly 10 years since headphone jacks were stripped from nearly all of our smartphones. On one hand, this was a tragedy—but it's one that occurred for a good reason. More than one, actually. In some ways, our phones are better off for having kissed this beloved port goodbye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You don’t need a Lexus to get luxury—just look at the Crown Signia

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 19:45

If you’ve been eyeing a Lexus NX but don’t want to splurge, the Toyota Crown Signia quietly steps up as a surprisingly roomy and practical alternative. Toyota has been blurring the line between mainstream and premium, and the Signia is its boldest move yet—stylish, calm, and effortlessly upscale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the PC gaming obsession with GPU undervolting is a complete waste of time

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 19:00

GPU undervolting has become a favorite pastime for many enthusiast PC gamers. For years, we've been told that a simple undervolt drastically lowers temperatures and power consumption while also resulting in quieter operation, but the truth is that, in most situations, running your GPU at its default settings is completely fine.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 presence-based Home Assistant projects to try this weekend (March 20 - 22)

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 18:45

Presence detection can make your Home Assistant automations feel much smarter. Instead of relying on basic motion sensors, you can track your location to a specific room and even determine exactly where in the room you are. These weekend projects tackle presence detection in different ways.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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